Duke Basketball Star Allegedly Contemplated Pulling Out of NBA Draft to Play Another Season in College… and the Motivation Behind It May Shock Fans
In a surprising twist that no one saw coming, Duke basketball standout Kyle Filipowski reportedly gave serious thought to withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft — and his reason has left fans and analysts stunned.
Filipowski, a 7-foot forward who led the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding during the 2023–24 season, had long been considered a lock to declare for the draft. With his polished offensive game, improving defense, and leadership on a young Duke squad, many believed he was ready to make the leap. But behind the scenes, sources close to the program say Filipowski seriously weighed returning to Durham for one more season.
And the reason? It wasn’t about draft position, injury rehab, or NIL money.
“He felt there was unfinished business,” one insider revealed. “He wanted another shot at a national title and felt a deep connection to the Duke brotherhood. That emotional pull almost kept him in college.”
Filipowski, who averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, helped carry Duke through a rollercoaster season that ended in a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit. That loss, sources say, haunted him in the weeks following the season and had him seriously reconsidering his decision.
“He’s a competitor,” the source added. “And he didn’t want his college legacy to end on that note.”
The speculation about Filipowski’s draft status stirred intense debate among fans. Some applauded the idea of a player prioritizing legacy and loyalty over a paycheck. Others questioned whether risking another college season would have been smart, especially with his draft stock hovering in the late first to early second round.
Ultimately, Filipowski stayed in the draft pool, officially forgoing his college eligibility — but the near-return sparked conversation across the basketball world.
What if he had come back? Would Duke have been a title favorite with Filipowski leading a stacked roster that includes incoming phenom Cooper Flagg? Would his leadership have helped Jon Scheyer bring home the program’s sixth national championship?
We’ll never know for sure, but one thing is clear: Kyle Filipowski’s heart was still in Durham — even as his eyes looked toward the NBA.
